Studies on Improving Nylon 6/Hybrid Nanocomposites processed via Melt Compounding
Jens Erler, Rolf Mülhaupt
Freiburg Material Research Center
Germany

Keywords: Nanocomposites, chain extender, co-intercalation


Aliphatic nylons are important engineering plastics manufactured in large quantities for fiber, film and plastic application. In recent studies clay mineral-polymer nanocomposites are examined for improvement in mechanical properties, reduced flammability, thermal stability, water absorption and barrier properties. In general, most of the hybrid nanocomposites have been prepared via in situ polymerization. In present times, the processing of nanocomposites by melt compounding is gaining a more important role for industrial application.
In this work the performance of nylon 6/hybrid clay nanocomposites, which were prepared by melt compounding, is examined.
Main research aim was the development of PA6 nanocomposites with a favorable property profile. Many of the known nanocomposites show an increased stiffness however with losses in toughness. In the presented work layered silicates based on sodium bentonite were modified such that an increased stiffness was observed while toughness was maintained. The influences of several different chain extenders as well as co-intercalation methods were examined.
The microstructure of the nanocomposites was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and mechanical characterization was conducted via tensile testing.